Philadelphia Eats

Off to Philadelphia for a couple of days and am looking for Chowhound and other interesting food possibilities....Local specialities, ethnic food, or just good cooking are my criteria; moderate prices are a plus, but I will pay for a special experience; casual dress and relaxed atmosphere appreciated. Food quality is the key; ambiance is a distant second.

You will need to catch a cab to Overtures at 609 Passyunk. It is a small place and you would be wise to call for a reservation. Interesting atmosphere in an old building. Extremely friendly and good service. We have never been disappointed in the food. The menu is quite varied and there are always interesing specials.

I will also be in Philadelphia this Saturday. What kind of food does Overtures have? Italian? French? American? Price range? Any other dining suggestions are greatly appreciated.Also, what's good at the Reading Terminal Market for lunch (sit down or take away). Thanks.

this is too late for all on this string,however, please know that if you e-mail i will be happy to tailor a restaurant guide for you in exp.-mod-inexp-cheap ranges. jim's steaks on south street is realy the very best for cheesesteaks - do not, under any circumstance, be tempted by the cheesesteak stand at the reading temrinal - if you're there, for to the south side, by george! across from iovine's produce stand for italian specialties, or walk two blocks to chinatown and go to vietnam palace or thai garden east on 11th street. for roast duck, sang kee on ninth, for dimsum lunch, ocean city also on ninth. rangoon on ninth is good burmese. (this is all around the terminal) there are many moderate italian places insouth philly, and a fair number of reasonable spots on old city as well. in center city, good buys and good food can be found at circa (walnut st., friday, saturday, sunday, astral plane, L2, beaujolais. go to art muserum area for great bargains - london grill, cuvee notre dame ($5 for duck confit salad or mussels and pommes frites for lunch!), zola, rembrandts, rose tattoo. feel free to e-mail, as i said.

howdy jim, for cheesesteaks hit jim's steaks south st and 4th I believe. also good are pats, and gino's for cheesesteaks. susanna foos for chineese, striped bass for fish , chanterelle for fusion, enjoy, walk around south st while in philly

Thanks for the cheesesteak recommendations....but I should have made clear that I am on travel with my Department of Labor colleagues and "moderate" cost is an important consideration.....I don't think they will cotton to Striped Bass or even Suzanna Foo on pocketbook grounds.

Have you checked out Philly food websites? I think UPenn students operate a fairly extensive one with lists and reviews on it which might be helpful.When we visited the market, it was on a Saturday aftern0on, and most of the Pa Dutch vendors were closed. Early on a weekday (lunch at latest) is probably best there.There are several well regarded new places in Philly, including one on a moored boat (but the name escapes me) Chef cooked at the Beard House this fall. Le Bec Fin has a walk-in cafe operation as well as good lunch deals in their main restaurant (reservations needed for latter) They have a web site.

Chef Perrier is consistently as one of America's finest and this is the only way to experience his cuisine is a less formal environment than the exceptional (and worth every penny!) Le Bec Fin upstairs. If you order anything that every swam you'll be astonished as just how remarkably good "bistro food" can be.

The only bad news is that there are a grand total of a half dozen tables and, after 9:00PM, Le Bar Lyonnais doubles as a cigar lounge.....so eat early!